The Special Victims Unit (SVU) consists of prosecutors, investigators and victim advocates who are dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking.
It is our mission to aggressively pursue justice while providing support to the survivors throughout the criminal justice process and ensuring that their rights are protected. The team assigned this unit, led by Chief Cathleen M. Roemer and Assistant Chief Rachel M. Vicario, has extensive experience and specialized training to handle these sensitive and complex cases with a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach.
We work with law enforcement and partner agencies to investigate crimes against children. In addition to holding the offenders accountable, we aim to reduce trauma, provide safety and promote healing. Our prosecutors work with the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf Behavioral Health, which offers a child-friendly environment for forensic interviews and comprehensive services.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office is a member of the Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force. We work with our partners to identify and prosecute offenders who force victims into sex trafficking or labor trafficking through physical force, fraud or coercion.